Answer
Our karma does change — very significantly. But even as devotees, whatever we are able to do is not simply due to our own abilities.
If we had not come to devotional life, we would not have developed many of these qualities. I have seen this repeatedly. Sometimes a devotee comes from a very simple background, joins Krishna consciousness, and stays in the temple for 10–12 years. During that time, he performs so many services and develops remarkable abilities.
But unfortunately, if such a person leaves and returns to a material lifestyle, after a few years one may find that he has gone back to almost the same level he was at before joining. It becomes difficult to understand how he was once doing so much service with such capability. I have seen many such examples.
This shows that the ability was not merely personal — it was coming by the mercy of Guru and Krishna.
Krishna changes our karma. As He says in the Bhagavad-gita, He provides what we lack and preserves what we have. He empowers us from within. Therefore, we should be very careful not to think, “I am the doer.” It is all the blessing of Guru and Krishna.
At the same time, desire plays a key role. If we sincerely pray, “Krishna, I want to serve You. Gurudeva, I want to serve you,” then Krishna works deeply within the heart. Krishna consciousness is not superficial — it works in the deepest layers of our being.
When such sincere desire is there, Guru and Krishna can transform our karma, purify our understanding, and empower us to render meaningful service.
So yes, change is possible — but it comes through devotional service.
All the obstacles we face — disturbances, impediments, struggles — are largely due to past sinful reactions (pāpa). Through śaraṇāgati (surrender), these are gradually removed. That is the power of surrender.
Krishna also assures that He personally helps those who turn to Him.
Therefore, if one truly wants to transform one’s life and karma, the path is clear: sincere devotional service, guided by Guru and Krishna, with humility and dependence.
